September 8th, 2008

Today in History

2001:
Durban, South Africa hosts the World Conference against Racism.

1971:
In Washington, DC, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is inaugurated, with the opening feature being the premiere of Leonard Bernstein's Mass.

1935:
US Senator from Louisiana, Huey Long, nicknamed "Kingfish", is fatally shot in the Louisiana capitol building.

1921:
1921- 16-year-old Margaret Gorman won the Atlantic City Pageant's Golden Mermaid trophy; pageant officials later dubbed her the first Miss America.

1380:
Russian forces defeat a mixed army of Tatars and Mongols, stopping their advance.